Christmas in solidarity

On the occasion of the celebration of Christmas (and it is already traditional) campaigns to collect food and clothing were organised in all the schools of the Province of Mediterránea. This food and clothing was then distributed among the poorest people of the surrounding areas: old people?s homes, houses of welcome, social works? or it was offered to diocesan Caritas. In general the response was very generous judging by the material delivered, since we calculated it to be several tonnes per school.
Another tradition deeply rooted in the Province is the assembly of cribs during Advent, some of them being very artistic.

For some time in certain centres they like to give a new vision to the cribs. Through the initiative of a few institutions of the school (catechists, parents, members of SED?) cribs were prepared that stayed open to the public. The visitors who come have the habit of leaving gifts. Frequently the amount left adds up to be a few thousand euros and this money is sent to SED (the NGO of the Spanish Marists) to respond to works in direct relationship with the Province (generally in Africa).
Often the organisers of each crib make the figurines themselves. They often take it upon themselves to be available during the visiting hours of the crib. For this they take turns in small groups.

Some of the cribs are entered into town competitions. Two of them have this year won first prize, consisting of several hundreds of dollars which was included with the gifts received.
This type of activity is not only aimed at gathering funds for a social work. We are seeking, in the same way, to create solidarity experiences such as working in a team (since there are many hours of work employed), to revive the sensitivity for the poorest of the poor, etc?

Brother José Delgado Garcia.